Napa Valley South?

April 1, 1985

Behold the lowly muscadine. The purple grape that grows wild in some parts of the Southeast can withstand low temperature. Consequently, Floridians may someday be looking out over acres and acres of vineyards. James F. Eckhart, inspector general for the Florida Department of Commerce, said some of the citrus grove owners who were frozen out in 1983 and '84, ''are seriously considering muscadine grapes as an alternative to citrus.'' Eckhart said the muscadine is already being marketed as fresh fruit -- and also for wine use. Since 1980, said Eckhart, five wineries have been established in Florida, ''and others are considering such an enterprise.'' Some are thinking about growing other kinds of grapes for jam, jelly and preserves. The strategy: ''It is felt that an expansion of grape vineyards will produce a new industry for the state and that grape juice as a Florida product could be merchandised and promoted both as a supplement to and as an alternative for citrus juices,'' said Eckhart.